Chapter 17: First Encounter with Qian Renxue
Xiao Han knew that in this world, there were very few people who truly understood immortal herbs.
Elder Ju Yueguan of Spirit Hall was a true flower lover, having devoted his entire life to studying flowers and plants. He had a thorough understanding of all kinds of rare herbs—he counted as one.
Tang San, who came from another world, could accurately identify various immortal herbs thanks to the Tang Sect's secret manual Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record—he also counted.
Then there were the Yang brothers: Yang Wudi, the clan leader of the Breaking Clan, and his younger brother Yang Wushuang. However, how much these two truly understood about immortal herbs was still unknown.
Though Dugu Bo also had some knowledge of herbs, the fact that he couldn't recognize the immortal herbs in his own medicinal garden made him no better than an amateur.
Xiao Han knew that none of these people could help him.
There might still be a sliver of hope if he sought help from Qian Renxue, who was impersonating the crown prince Xue Qinghe.
Spirit Hall possessed the most abundant resources. A treasure like the Illustrated Book of Immortal Herbs was likely part of their collection.
Lin Zhiruo finally understood Xiao Han's purpose.
"You brat, in the end, it's still all about herbs."
"Mom, these aren't just ordinary herbs—they're immortal herbs!"
Lin Zhiruo gave Xiao Han a disdainful look.
"Your thinking is naive. Why would the Crown Prince help you? He might think you're just being ridiculous, like I do."
"That's why I'm asking you to go with me! As the Vice Dean of Tianshui Academy, they have to give you some face, right? You don't need to worry about anything else—just get me in to see him."
Xiao Han's eyes were resolute, as if fully confident in his plan.
Lin Zhiruo smiled helplessly.
"Fine, I'll take you to see him. But he's still the Crown Prince of the Empire. If you cause trouble, I won't forgive you."
"Don't worry, Mom. I'd never get you into trouble. Hehe~~"
The next day, the two of them set off directly for Heaven Dou City.
Several days later, they reached their destination.
Heaven Dou City, the heart of the Heaven Dou Empire, was dazzlingly prosperous.
The city walls were majestic, towering into the clouds, like coiled dragons guarding the imperial city's endless glory and peace.
Inside the city, wide and straight streets bustled with life. Shops lined both sides, streams of people moved to and fro, and colorful signs competed for attention in a lively atmosphere.
Xiao Han and Lin Zhiruo navigated through the bustling marketplace and soon arrived outside the imperial palace.
The grand palace shimmered with golden light under the sun, exuding royal dignity and nobility.
Lin Zhiruo found a guard and explained her purpose.
She carried with her a token engraved with the character "Water," personally bestowed by Emperor Xue Ye. It proved her identity as a high-ranking figure from Tianshui Academy.
Meanwhile…
Inside his study, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe was reading when a guard suddenly reported:
"Your Highness, Dean Lin from Tianshui Academy seeks an audience."
Xue Qinghe immediately put down his book, looking puzzled.
"Dean Lin? She came alone?"
"She's accompanied by a teenage boy."
Xue Qinghe stood up, thoughtful: A teenage boy? Could it be the adopted child I heard about? Supposedly a born full spirit power talent—Tianshui Academy made an exception to admit him.
"Understood. Bring them to the side hall. I'll be there shortly."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Soon after, the guard returned.
"Dean Lin, thank you for waiting. Please follow me."
Xiao Han and Lin Zhiruo exchanged a smile and followed the guard through several corridors to a grand hall.
Since Xue Qinghe had not yet arrived, the two waited there.
"See, Mom? I told you the Crown Prince would give you face."
"You brat, don't get cocky. When you see the Crown Prince, don't act all casual. Be serious."
"I know. But Mom, can I talk to him alone?"
"What? Am I in the way? That depends on whether he agrees."
As they were speaking, footsteps echoed from outside the hall.
"Enough. The Crown Prince is here."
"Mm."
Xue Qinghe entered the hall and saw that it was indeed Dean Lin.
He had seen Lin Zhiruo and Dean Zhao just a few months ago during the Spirit Master Tournament.
Seeing it was Xue Qinghe, Lin Zhiruo and Xiao Han both bowed.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
Xue Qinghe smiled gently.
"No need for formalities. I'm sorry to keep you waiting."
"Your Highness is too kind. We just arrived."
Xiao Han looked up, finally seeing Xue Qinghe's face clearly.
Xue Qinghe appeared to be in his twenties, with a refined appearance and an air of scholarly grace between his brows. A calm, friendly smile rested at the corners of his mouth, making him instantly likable.
He wore a finely crafted golden robe, embroidered with intricate patterns that emphasized his noble status and exceptional bearing.
His deep eyes seemed to see through everything, yet also carried the dignity and depth expected of a Crown Prince, making it hard to meet his gaze for too long.
Xue Qinghe moved toward them with grace, exuding the presence of royalty in every gesture.
"Dean Lin, this young man is quite impressive—handsome and full of spirit. This must be Xiao Han?"
Xue Qinghe's tone carried a hint of praise, and his gaze lingered on Xiao Han, as if intrigued by him.
Lin Zhiruo nodded and replied:
"Your Highness flatters him. This is indeed Xiao Han."
"Since Dean Lin personally brought him here, it shows the importance of this matter. May I ask what business brings you here today?"
Xue Qinghe's tone was calm and wise, clearly prepared for anything.
His poised manner only added to the authority and charisma befitting a Crown Prince.
Lin Zhiruo respectfully replied:
"Your Highness is wise. We do have a request."
"Oh? Please speak plainly. If it's within my power, I'll do what I can."
"Thank you, Your Highness. As for the matter… my son Xiao Han wishes to speak with you in private."
Xue Qinghe was momentarily surprised and looked again at Xiao Han.
From the moment he met him, Xue Qinghe had sensed that the boy was no ordinary youth.
Lin Zhiruo's words only piqued his interest further. He was eager to learn why this boy had come.
Xue Qinghe gently waved his hand at the guards behind him.
"You may wait outside."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The guards withdrew.
"Your Highness, my son is new to the palace. If he says anything inappropriate, I ask your forgiveness."
"Xiao Han seems like a clever boy. You worry too much, Dean Lin."
Xue Qinghe maintained his calm smile. Sensing his kindness, Lin Zhiruo also left the hall.
Now, only Xiao Han and Xue Qinghe remained inside.
The two locked eyes, and Xiao Han showed no sign of fear.
He knew that beneath this princely façade was none other than Spirit Hall's heir—Qian Renxue.
By his calculations, Qian Renxue had already spent ten years undercover in the Heaven Dou imperial palace under the identity of Xue Qinghe.
(End of Chapter)
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